Journalism Communication

Gannon University’s student-operated radio station, 90.5 WERG-FM, was the national champion in two categories at the annual Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Conference in 2016, and a finalist for the Best College Station in the Nation award, an honor the station received in 2014.

In 2015, The Gannon Knight, the University’s student-produced weekly newspaper, was named the Most Outstanding University Newspaper for schools with enrollments of 2,500-plus as well as receiving a first-place award in the annual American Scholastic Press Association contest.

Located in the Center for Communication and the Arts, the program has access to the resources of all of the University’s communication, media and arts faculty and technology under one roof. Students benefit from the synergy this co-location provides

You Will Learn

The journalism communication program in the University’s School of Communication and the Arts enables students to master journalistic skills in news and multiplatform digital media as well as traditional media. Students acquire the reporting, writing, speaking and design skills needed to work successfully in each medium, and also tackle theoretical and ethical issues confronting today’s media.

Students complete practicum classes and pursue internship opportunities where classroom learning is put into practice. The Gannon Knight, with a weekly print edition and a redesigned website, coupled with 90.5 WERG-FM and WERGFM.com, Gannon’s own 3,000-watt and web streaming station, provide students with valuable hands-on experience. The University also boasts full TV production, digital editing and multimedia studios used for student instruction.

You will Study

Journalism communication students will take courses in English, communication arts and electronic media. Students gain practical, hands-on, real-life experience through required practica and a recommended internship, as well as through participating in Gannon’s various student-run media outlets. Journalism communication majors take various core and elective courses including:

JCOMM 216: Advanced/Specialized Reporting

In this course, students spend much of their time inside venues where news occurs. Students cover criminal trials, City Council, school board meetings and other live events, and then turn those events into stories. They also have the opportunity to meet and interview leaders in the criminal justice, local government and environmental fields to sharpen their reporting skills and further their knowledge.

JCOM 252: Photojournalism

This course introduces students to the principles of photojournalism. Students study and practice photojournalism techniques, with consideration of the ethical issues involved with creating and using visual images.

COMM 356: Digital Graphics

In this course students explore the balance between technology and design, learning basic design principles and the basics of Adobe Photoshop and digital image manipulation. Projects include tinting, repairing and adjusting photographs, illustrating digital poetry, tabletop photography and both print and digital advertising design.

Liberal Studies Core

The Liberal Studies Core Curriculum is one reflection of Gannon University's commitment to
its Catholic identity. The Core's design offers students a defined, integrated, shared
experience as the foundation for their undergraduate program.

You Will Earn

Salaries in the field vary depending on the location and type of organization.

Starting salary: $38,100

Mid-career salary: $67,700

All salary information is compiled from data gathered from the
Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) and/or PayScale
(payscale.com).